Hello all,

I’m having reallly rough steering action. Replaced the power steering pump thinking that was the cause, but no improvement. There is a pretty bad squeal coming from near the steering gear, and when i try to turn the wheel there is resistance, then give, resistance, then give… but all very rough and jerky.

Hoping someone has some ideas, or can confirm it’s probably the gear (I’m not opposed to replacing it if it is).

The truck has been sitting for years, I’m a relative novice working on it, but I’m enjoying it and looking forward to getting it back on the road.

Thanks in advance,
SD

 

There's a power steering gauge you borrow from the tool loaner program at the chain parts stores. That would help isolate the issue.
I believe that system still uses Dextron atf. if someone put in different fluid that could be your issue. You can try flushing the system, but you might have to remove the gear and disassemble to clean. They look complicated, but not so much. I got a few tools to make it easier, but it wasn't critical. But a fsm would help.
The reservoir has a very strong screen inside to filter bigger grit. It might be worth the time to remove and clean.

 

Thanks for the response. I used dextron ATF when I replaced the pump, but there is a very good chance I topped it off previously with regular power steering fluid (before I knew any better). I'm going to give it a thorough flush and see if that doesn't improve the situation - I'll report back.

 

If you need to take the gear out and have questions post up. i just did mine not too long ago.
If you're already prepared to buy a new one, then I highly recommend taking your old one out(gotta do that anyway) and taking it apart to see what you got.
Damage to either gear would be bad, but you could easily just have a issue of sludge built up. And cleaning and resealing a factory steering box isn't hard. Kits are pretty cheap, too.